Prospect Talent Score

Probability of Success

History

2004-05: Played for Ceske Budejovice’s junior team, where he was a scoring leader in the league. He played a couple of games with the senior team, who competes in the top league.

2005-06:Played for Ceske Budejovice on the senior team for the season. He was stuck in a defensive role, which didn’t suite his development. In late January of 2006, he joined the Omaha Lancers of the USHL where he finished out the season.

2006-07:Played with the Red Deer Rebels in the WHL. Led the team in scoring, Hanzal posted 85 points (26 goals, 59 assists) in 60 games played, which was also tops in the league for all rookies. He ended the regular season an impressive plus-13 and earned 94 penalty minutes. He rolled into the playoffs scoring a team-high nine points (2 goals, 7 assists) in a total of six contests. He also racked up 19 penalty minutes and was a plus-2.

Talent Analysis

Hanzal is big centerman who’s a good skater, with a decent speed and a nice fluid and powerful stride. He’s good in the face-off circle; he has good hands and great puck handling skills. He has above average offensive instincts, and has a good understanding of the game. He needs to work on his defensive play. Standing at 6-5, he is extremely strong, but still needs to fill out his frame to be able to endure the rigors of the North American style of hockey.

Photo: Pittsburgh Penguins rookie forward Oskar Sundqvist celebrates his first NHL goal in a win over the New York Islanders at the Barclay Center in Brooklyn, NY (courtesy of Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

He is certainly not complaining, but Oskar Sundqvist scored the first goal of his NHL career and an unlikely source assisted on it. Also featured are two goals scored tie-tac-toe style, and a pair of between-the-legs efforts that are just too good to be true. Plenty more assists, goals, and Wes McCauley’s dramatic goal decision encapsulate a fantastic edition of Prospect Impressions. Read more»